The first concept store of the “Health & Wellness Society”, a new brand specializing in natural supplements, was designed collaboratively by LAPS architecture from Paris and Yashiro Lab. & Magori Lab. (UTokyo-IIS) from Tokyo.

The project stretches over two floors and covers 520 sq.m. within a shopping gallery. The design defines the brand identity of the “Health & Wellness Society” which is composed of a wellness center with spaces for avex therapy, self medical check-up, relaxation as well as a pharmacy and organic cafe where customers can find over 1500 different health supplements.

The client, Hideo Sawada, wished for an elegant but sober design that would go beyond commercial architectural stereotypes. The existing spaces were radically reconsidered, using the notion of connectivity as the basis of the project therefore limiting partitioning as much as possible. The reconstruction enabled the spaces to become open and airy thanks to the use of yellow and white colors: in fact, the birch flooring and white forex furniture give a sense of warmth and simplicity.

The project uses the “X.me” system which was developed by LAPS Architecture, Salvator-John A Liotta and Fabienne Louyot for MYOP company. The system is generated by an orthogonal grid which is rotated by 45 degrees and made of forex cut by a CNC machine. It is assembled by using an extruded aluminum joint. This simple system allows an infinity of different shapes to be created therefore making the product highly adaptable to diverse contexts. The end product permits a fluid definition of spaces and it successfully integrates itself organically as either shelves or wall partitions.

The facade, cafe and partitioning system stand out from the different project components. The entrance facade of the concept of store was adapted to respond to the already existing neo-classical columns. The organic cafe is characterised by the profiles of three trees that meet. The result is a double arch that serves to create an intimate filter whilst welcoming people. Every element of the space partitioning has been optimised according to its use, the circulation of people and the presentation of the products to the public. In synthesis: there is a preference for rhizomatic proliferation and non-hierarchical system.